Talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have officially begun in Saudi Arabia, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh today. The high-level discussions, hosted by Saudi Arabia, represent a significant step toward resolving a conflict that has raged for nearly three years, devastating Ukraine and straining global relations.
The meeting, which started this morning, marks the first face-to-face encounter between Rubio and Lavrov since the war began. Both officials are joined by key delegates, including U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, as they explore ceasefire possibilities, territorial resolutions, and broader diplomatic normalization between Washington and Moscow.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation role has been pivotal, building on its neutral stance and prior success in facilitating talks.
While specifics of the negotiations remain under wraps, the Kremlin has stated that the talks will also address “restoring the entire complex of Russian-American relations.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department emphasized that this initial meeting is a test of Russia’s seriousness about peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently in the region but not invited to the talks, has reiterated that Kyiv will not recognize any agreement made without its involvement.
The international community, particularly European allies excluded from this round, is closely monitoring the outcome. As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, the Rubio-Lavrov meeting could set the stage for further negotiations, potentially involving Ukraine and other stakeholders. Updates are anticipated as the day progresses.
